The final countdown is now on to the kick-off of the 2025 NRL season and that means the Wests Tigers Podcast is getting back into gear.

After another long off-season, NRL trials are just a few weeks away and on this edition of the pod, we take a look at who we expect to represent Wests Tigers in our first practice match against the Bulldogs.

Guys like Makasini, Mason, Porter, Matamua, and Sukkar are likely to line up in the game at Kogarah, but will any of the more established NRL players make an appearance?

How about the Wests Tigers playing a game in Las Vegas in 2026? We discuss the rumours our club will be chosen to showcase the game next year, and the plusses and minuses of taking a game to the USA for club and team.

Sione Fainu has taken position 29 in the NRL roster for 2025, we discuss where we see the third Fainu brother fitting in this year, and, what the future might hold for Latu Fainu.

And, what should the club do with the last roster spot?

Stay tuned for a rundown of what we consider the strengths and weaknesses of the 2025 Wests Tigers team and squad.

And we identify some of the best athletes, the most naturally gifted players to have worn a Wests Tigers jersey in battle. Names like McGuinness, Koroibete, Richards, Payten, and Corey Pearson come to our attention.

We hope you enjoy one of the last off-season editions of the Wests Tigers Podcast, buckle up for what looks like a great adventure ahead in season 2025!

And don't forget to join us talking everything Wests Tigers on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum right through the year.

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What a day it is to be a Wests Tigers fan! Sure, we haven't kicked a ball yet in 2025, but today might just be one of the biggest in the club's long history.

Today, Wests Tigers had four independent directors appointed to the club's board.

This means that Wests Tigers now has a board that meets the independent review recommendations that we all fought so hard for. These are directors who bring talent and nous from different backgrounds and are giving of their time and professional skills for one reason - to advance the Wests Tigers.

That is very exciting!

Barry O'Farrell is one of the independent board members, he is expected to be voted in as Wests Tigers Chairman at a meeting later this month.

Joining the representatives from Holman Barnes Group, Balmain Tigers, and Wests Magpies on the Wests Tigers board will be:

• Charlie Viola, Executive Chair of Viola Private Wealth, and former Partner at Pitcher Partners. Charlie is a prominent Financial Advisor and Industry leader, with exceptional financial management, commercial and strategy skills. Charlie grew up in Campbelltown and now lives in the Inner West.
• Michelle McDowell, former Managing Director of Allied Express, brings a wealth of experience in commercial, operations and logistics. Michelle has significant business acumen and is passionate about community. Michelle has deep commercial insights into the Western suburbs of Sydney.
• Annabelle Williams OAM PLY, Former Chair of the Athlete’s Commission for Paralympics Australia, and former Board member of the Paralympics Australia and Swimming Australia. Annabelle is a Lawyer and a decorated athlete, with deep insights in High-Performance, and is an advocate for inclusion and excellence in sport. Annabelle grew up in Balmain.

To mark these important appointments, and this important day, Garry Watson and Joel Helmes sat down and recorded this latest edition of the Wests Tigers Unite podcast.

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Wests Tigers Unite Update

The guys are back with another update into the petition for an External Review of the Holman Barnes Group, regular Wests Tigers Podcast host, Eddie Otto is joined by Wests Tigers Life’s Rob Bechara and Adrian Tripodina as well as Garry Watson from the Wests Tigers Podcast.

The discussion starts with a chat about Garry’s recent interview with former Holman Barnes Group Director and current Debenture Holder, John Hardgrove. The team give their thoughts on a very open interview and discuss the key points.

The boys then take a look at the statement from the HBG released on Friday that addresses the current fan and media scrutiny that has surrounded the club. The guys give their thoughts in the motivation behind the release and whether this should appease Wests Tigers Fans.

The petition now sits at over 1400 signatures, if you haven’t signed yet, please do so at the link below.

An External Review of the Governance of Holman Barnes Group - Petitions.net

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